Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has warned that Nigeria will not permit the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to continue operations in the country if the agency is found guilty of funding terrorism.
During a plenary session on Wednesday, Akpabio emphasized the need for Nigeria to verify the truthfulness of the allegation before taking any definitive action.
“If it is confirmed that USAID has been financing Boko Haram in Nigeria, we have no reason to allow them to maintain offices here. Before making firm decisions or seeking redress, we must conduct a thorough investigation,” he stated.
To probe the claim made by U.S. Congressman Perry Scott that USAID has been funding terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, the Senate has summoned top security and intelligence officials.
The decision was driven by an Urgent National Security Motion presented by Senator Mohammed Ndume (Borno South), under Order 41, urging the Senate to treat the issue with the highest level of seriousness due to the severe impact of terrorism in Nigeria.
Ndume highlighted that a detailed inquiry would help dispel uncertainties about how terrorist organizations continue to operate despite counterterrorism efforts.
Among those summoned are the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Chief of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Security Adviser (NSA).
Senate President Akpabio backed the resolution but stressed the sensitive nature of security matters, stating that such discussions should be handled behind closed doors.
He assured that intelligence chiefs would provide the Senate with a comprehensive briefing in a private session.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), a co-sponsor of the motion, proposed an amendment to ensure that security officials first brief senators privately, arguing that an open debate would not adequately address the seriousness of the allegations.
“At this stage, what has been documented is relevant. However, it is nearly impossible to do justice to this issue through a public debate. Instead of an extensive discussion, we need a confidential briefing from security agencies,” Ningi stated.
He added, “Our priority should be inviting the NSA, the DG of NIA, and the DSS for a closed-door session with the Senate. It is their responsibility to provide intelligence on such matters. Based on their insights, we can determine the next course of action.”
The Senate approved Ningi’s proposal, scheduling a private briefing with intelligence officials to gather detailed information before making any public pronouncements on the issue.
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